Week 2 predictions

Two favorites move ahead in Denver. The Chargers are the second. The first was Barack Obama.

Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Nick Canepa, Union-Tribune columnist

San Diego General Manager A.J. Smith's bright idea to bring in Neil Armstrong as rarefied air coach backfires when it's discovered high altitude doesn't affect tackling.

Broncos 35, Chargers 32

Tim Sullivan, Union-Tribune columnist

The Bolts have reached midseason form in one dubious respect: injuries. Losing Shawne Merriman has to hurt the pass rush. It figures to make Jay Cutler doubly dangerous.

Broncos 27, Chargers 23

Kevin Acee, Union-Tribune Chargers writer

Keys today are the health of Antonio Cromartie and Jamal Williams. The Chargers will score. Can they stop the Broncos from running and passing to two fine receivers?

Chargers 24, Broncos 16

Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News

Inspiration should be no problem for the Broncos – it's the home opener against a team that has throttled them in each of the past four meetings. But if the Broncos can't get to Rivers, then all the inspiration they can muster won't help them.